JMU Celebrates Virginia's 250th Anniversary with Civic Education Week

Events focused on America's founding ideals and the role of James Madison in securing religious freedom

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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James Madison University kicked off a weeklong celebration of Virginia's contributions to the founding of America with a series of events in early March, including a screening of Ken Burns' film "The American Revolution", panel discussions, and a "Better Conversations Together" program that engaged students, faculty, and community members in dialogue about the nation's past, present, and future.

Why it matters

As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, JMU's Civic Education Week events provided an opportunity for the community to reflect on America's origins, the divisiveness that has existed since the beginning, and the ongoing importance of civic engagement and religious freedom - core values championed by James Madison, the university's namesake.

The details

The events featured discussions on topics ranging from the colonists' disparate views of war with Britain to the creation of a national identity and the founding fathers' moral convictions. Participants also explored the experiences of pacifistic Mennonite and Brethren communities in the Shenandoah Valley during the Revolutionary War, and how James Madison's advocacy for religious freedom shaped the First Amendment.

  • The weeklong VA250 celebration kicked off on Monday, March 2, 2026.
  • On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, more than 100 students, faculty and staff members took part in the Madison Center's "Better Conversations Together" program.
  • On Thursday, March 5, 2026, the conversation turned to "Revolution and Religion in the Valley: A Community Conversation on the Mennonite and Brethren Experience in the Shenandoah Valley During the Revolutionary War."

The players

Dr. Kara Dillard

The executive director of the James Madison Center for Civic Engagement.

Kieran Fensterwald

A Madison Center Democracy Fellow and senior Political Science major at JMU.

Emily Lowe

A senior International Affairs major and Democracy Fellow at JMU.

Sabrina Burns

A senior Public Administration major and Democracy Fellow at JMU.

James Madison

The fourth President of the United States, who played a key role in framing the U.S. Constitution and securing religious freedom through the First Amendment.

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What they’re saying

“It's easy to assume that we live in uniquely divided times, but the truth is that division and even violence has been part of America's story since its beginning.”

— Dr. Kara Dillard, Executive Director, James Madison Center for Civic Engagement (jmu.edu)

“We are the ones who will take up the mantle of our democracy, and it is our duty to remain steadfast in our education and to make sure that we are enlightened and engaged citizens.”

— Kieran Fensterwald, Madison Center Democracy Fellow and Senior Political Science Major (jmu.edu)

“At a time when polarization can make meaningful dialogue feel difficult or even uncomfortable, it can be challenging to know how to engage across differences. Tonight is an opportunity to lean into that challenge together and practice doing exactly that — listening and understanding each other.”

— Emily Lowe, Madison Center Democracy Fellow and Senior International Affairs Major (jmu.edu)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This celebration of Virginia's role in the nation's founding highlights the enduring importance of civic engagement, religious freedom, and open dialogue - values championed by James Madison that remain vital to the health of American democracy today.